Firefighters streamed into the Trinity Alps throughout the day Thursday, joining the battle against the large Gap Fire in Siskiyou County. Authorities, who have been fighting the growing conflagration since Saturday, estimate that it is 10 percent contained.
More than 1,800 firefighters have been deployed. The fire’s cause remains unknown and under investigation. The fire has burned through more than 18,000 acres. Officials say the fire is particularly tenacious as it is burning through an area where fires have been successfully suppressed for many years.
Cooler and calmer conditions have aided firefighters over the last 24 hours. Crews have been focusing on defending structures and scouting potential fire breaks
Several miles of State Highway 96 remain under one way traffic controls through the Horse Creek area, east of Seiad. All mandatory evacuations have been lifted, though a forest closure order remains in place in the vicinity, including a 26-mile portion of the Pacific Crest Trail.
The evacuation center in Yreka has been closed though it will be reopened if needed.